Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

Routine eye screenings aren’t only for adults. Unfortunately, many parents tend to overlook scheduling eye exam appointments for their children. It’s important to understand that vision problems in kids exist and are common. In fact, studies show that about 10 percent of preschoolers and 25 percent of school-age children suffer from vision disorders.

3 Reasons Why Your Child Should See an Eye Doctor

Many vision problems in children don’t have obvious signs. Symptoms may not even be detected during school vision screenings. You can determine if your child has the visual skills necessary to perform in school by scheduling a comprehensive eye checkup. Here’s why routine pediatric eye exams for your child is crucial:

• Early Detection. Lingering vision problems will not only impact your kid’s safety. It can also affect your child’s academic success and performance in athletic activities. Routine pediatric eye exams help identify any irregularities in your child’s visual health. It’s generally recommended for a baby as young as six months old to undergo an eye exam. It should be carried out again when he or she turns three years of age. Then, right before your child enters school. Children with no vision problems shall continue to see their eye doctor every couple of years. Those who need prescription glasses or contact lenses should receive an eye exam every year or as required.

• Prompt Treatment. Through early detection and diagnosis, appropriate treatment can be done immediately. This way, you can halt the progression of vision disorders that could potentially impair your child’s eyesight for life. Eye doctors generally treat problems, such as refractive errors, misalignment, and blocked tear ducts. Routine pediatric eye exams are an excellent opportunity to correct vision problems before it gets worse. Besides, it can help monitor the effectiveness of the treatment plan used by your kid’s eye specialist. It will also maintain the overall well-being of your child.

• Learning Management. Poor visual skills can have lasting effects on your child’s intellectual and emotional development. Worse, research shows how these concerns can even potentially compound existing behavioral issues. All of these can result in difficulty at school. There are several behaviors that a child with vision problems shows when engaging with schoolwork. These include fatigue, short attention span, and a tendency to avoid reading or other activities that require close visual work. Even those who try to complete their tasks may manage to do so. But, with reading comprehension and efficiency that is lower than expected. Remember that a wide range of visual skills is necessary for your child’s academic achievement. Issues in your child’s visual acuity, perception, and eye coordination can severely affect their ability to read, write, and follow classroom lessons.

Approximately 80 percent of learning is vision-based. Through regular eye checkups, you can make sure that your child has the visual skills to learn and perform well in school. Don’t let any vision-related problems hold your child back. Schedule an eye exam today at Ridgeview Eye Care. Call our clinic in Olathe or in De Soto, Kansas, now to schedule an appointment.